British Columbia has so many bucket-list road trip ideas but the Sea-to-Sky Highway is #1 on a lot of lists. The most popular section is the 120km section between Vancouver and Whistler. There are a few great stops along this route but one of the most visited is the Sea to Sky Gondola at about the halfway point.
This attraction promises a lot for people passing by but it’s not a cheap adventure. We stopped on our way to Whistler so we could see for ourselves and let you know if the Sea to Sky Gondola is worth it. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know so you can decide whether to stop or keep driving.
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Where is the Sea to Sky Gondola?
The Sea to Sky Gondola is located South of Squamish, British Columbia on Highway 99. It’s just under an hour from downtown Vancouver (depending on traffic) and just over an hour South of Whistler. You will see signs as you get close but if you’re heading North from Vancouver and hit Squamish then you’ve gone too far.
Parking at the Sea to Sky Gondola
You can catch a free shuttle from Vancouver to the Sea to Sky Gondola but most people tend to drive. Luckily, there is a big parking lot at the base for cars of all sizes. Parking at the Sea to Sky Gondola is also free which is always a great find!
We arrived just before noon on a cloudy Saturday and there were a number of empty spaces. We can see how the lot can get really busy during the high season so you may have to wait. You probably won’t have to wait very long though because there seems to be a lot of parking space turnover.
How Much is the Sea to Sky Gondola?
The Sea to Sky Gondola ticket isn’t cheap but it depends on how you buy it and when you visit. Standard tickets at the window are $59.95 on weekends or $56.95 on weekdays for adults (prices in CAD). However, you can buy tickets in advance online for only $55.95 CAD. There are also discounts for seniors and teens but children under 5 are free.
What's Included in the Ticket?
The main thing included in your Sea to Sky Gondola ticket is a trip up and down the mountain. The gondola is open daily from 9:30am to 5pm with trips down the mountain going until 6pm. You can only go up & down once so make sure you don’t forget anything in the car!
This might seem expensive for a gondola trip but there are other things to consider. Not only is it a spectacular trip, there are also a number of things to do at the top. Speaking of which…
What to Do at the Top
Sea to Sky Gondola Summit Lodge
The gondola will take you from the parking lot directly to the Summit Lodge in about 10 minutes. Here you can find a coffee bar, restaurant, gift shop and bathrooms. There’s also a huge patio for you to enjoy your meal while overlooking Howe Sound.
The coffee bar is on the expensive side but they have a lot of tasty options. We each had a sandwich and a handcrafted drink which really hit the spot after a long hike.
Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge
You may have visited the Capilano Suspension Bridge while in Vancouver but this one is a little different. Yes, it may not be as big but the view easily makes up for that!
The Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge starts near the Summit Lodge Patio and leads you towards a short trail. Suspension bridges can be a bit bouncy so try and wait until it’s empty if heights aren’t your thing.
Hiking Trails
There are over 6km (3.7mi) of trails awaiting you at the top. Most of the Sea to Sky Gondola hiking trails are for beginners and are well marked. The only ‘intermediate’ trail is Sparky’s Spin and even it is not too difficult.
All of the trails loop back to the Summit Lodge so don’t worry about getting lost! There is even a very easy 400m trail that is perfect for kids.
Chief Overlook Viewing Platform
If you only want to do one thing at the Sea to Sky Gondola summit then it must be the Chief Overlook Viewing Platform. This wooden viewing platform is located along the Panorama Trail about 10-20 minutes walking distance from the lodge. It can get busy so try to arrive early.
Standing at the Chief Overlook Viewing Platform gives you panoramic views of the Mamquam Valley and Howe Sound. BC Weather can be unpredictable but if you’re lucky enough to be there on a clear day you’ll be in awe of the vividly aqua colour of the water. We managed to get there just before rainclouds rolled in which was our cue to leave.
Is the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish Worth It?
This is a tricky one to answer because it really depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re like us and love getting out into nature then you should really consider a visit. The forested mountain trails are peaceful and not difficult to navigate. Riding in the gondola itself is quite an adventure and almost worth the price alone.
Stopping at the Sea to Sky Gondola is one of our favourite memories from our trip to BC. Walking among the trees while overlooking idyllic valley landscapes is exactly what you want from a West Coast holiday. The cost of admission is well worth the lifetime memories you’ll create!
Have you taken the Sea to Sky Gondola? Let us know all about it in the comments below. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about hidden gems we find in Canada and around the world!
